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Kubrat Pulev kept his undefeated record and his career moving forward today in Germany, claiming the vacant European heavyweight title with an 11th round knockout of Alexander Dimitrenko on the Huck vs Afolabi card in Erfurt.
Pulev (16-0, 8 KO) started a bit slow, feeling out the tall Ukrainian in the opening two rounds, before he started to open up offensively, bringing his jab into play and finding a home for his right hand.
[ Live Round-By-Round Coverage: Huck vs Afolabi II ]
Dimitrenko (32-2, 21 KO) was game throughout and showed a lot of heart, giving a genuine, serious effort and doing his best to hang in with the more talented Bulgarian. But in the 11th, he was hit with another strong right hand, and moments later he was down on a jab, with his legs betraying him as much as anything. He got to his knees, but just couldn't find the air needed to get to his feet, and the count reached 10.
Pulev will likely stay around this level for at least two or three more fights before daring a move up to a world title shot. Our coverage of the Huck vs Afolabi II card continues here.